Circa 1837/8. The two samplers memorializing the birth and premature death of her son, Thomas Handsaker. The first dated February 2 1837 identifying Thomas Handsaker, and depicting a manor house flanked by stylized trees and birds, the figure of young child with dog in foreground within a border of green and cream floral trellis work. The whole woven on linen foundation. The second sampler woven in identical style and manner, dated August 24th, 1838 and signed “Mary Ann Handsaker”. The example woven with a stylized flowering tree flanked by birds, smaller flowering shrubs and a basket filled with fruit and small dogs within an identical border to the first, also woven on linen. **Note: It is our belief that the two samplers, woven by Mary Ann Handsaker, illustrate the brief story of her son, Thomas Handsaker, who we surmise died August 24, 1838, 17 months after his birth. Below is the text of these examples: 1) Thomas Handshaker was Born February th 2. Lord what his life tis like a flower That blossoms and is gone We see it flourish for an hour With all its beauty on. But death comes like a wintry day And cuts the pretty flower away. See the littel Darling Boy A father’s Hope A mother’s Joy May The Sins Sad ruin Flee And Subject To his parents Be. Life is short death is sure. 2) And shall I say its yet too soon To Seek for heaven or think of death A flower may fade before tis noon And I this day resign my breath. Our days on the Earth are but a shadow And there is no abiding Aug 24th 1838 Mary Ann Handsaker. Each housed in a pine frame with gilt surround. SIZE: Sight: 13-1/2″ x 12-3/4″. CONDITION: The samplers each with toning. Colors with normal and expected fading. Minor and minimal deterioration of thread. Good to very good. 52340-4 (1,000-1,500)